Amid GOP fears of Trump effect down-ballot, Texas Senate races unaffected
Even with the presidential race closer than normal, Democrats have little chance to gain ground in the Republican-dominated Texas Senate. Full Story
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![The Texas Senate on the opening day of the 83rd legislative session on Jan. 8, 2013.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Analysis: In Texas, Lawmakers Regulate Their Own Regulators
The Texas Ethics Commission regulates legislators. Legislators control the commission's laws and budget. It's a complicated relationship. Full Story
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![State Sens. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, listen to testimony at a Senate Committee on State Affairs hearing reviewing current ethics laws governing public officials and employees on Oct, 5, 2016.]()
Credit: Qiling Wang for The Texas Tribune -
At Education Panel, GOP Pitches Private School Choice
At a marathon hearing of the Senate Education Committee Wednesday, GOP senators debated how, not whether, to give Texas families taxpayer money to pay for private, religious or home schools. Full Story
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![The Senate Education Committee interim hearing at the Texas Capitol Aug. 16, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Analysis: Welcome to the Home Stretch of the 2016 Texas Elections
It’s both unofficial and traditional to call Labor Day the beginning of the intense action in a general election year, and it still carries a shred of truth. The slates are set. Summer vacations are over. This election is on. Full Story
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Analysis: Hot at the Top of the 2016 Texas Ballot, Cool at the Bottom
That big political race on the surface hides a very quiet state ballot down below. In fact, a surprising number of the members of the Legislature and of the Texas delegation to Congress face no major-party opposition in November. Full Story
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![The House of Representatives on May 14, 2015.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Miles Nominated to Replace Ellis for Houston Senate Seat
State Rep. Borris Miles of Houston has captured the Democratic nomination to replace state Sen. Rodney Ellis, putting him on track to win the seat in November. Full Story
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![Outgoing state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and state Rep. Borris Miles, D-Houston, chosen by a majority of precinct chairs to replace him.]()
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Analysis: No Political Benefit if Voters Can't Feel Property Tax Relief
Texas lawmakers want to get a leash on property taxes, which requires them to restrain local governments. The local governments point to expensive state government mandates that drive up their costs. It's hard to fix blame, or credit. Full Story
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![Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Lawmakers Seek Roadmap For Ride-Hailing Regulation
State lawmakers are poised to discuss ride-hailing for the second time in two weeks on Thursday, attention many expect to carry into the upcoming legislative session as some legislators attempt to wrest regulatory power from cities. Full Story
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Credit: Ståle Grut / Flickr -
With Uber and Lyft Gone, Ride-Hailing Startups Swarm Austin
Less than a month after Uber and Lyft left Austin over the city's regulations, at least six new companies offering similar services have launched in the city and are fighting for market share. Full Story
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![Since Uber and Lyft left Austin, the city has opened its doors to an influx of new companies including Arcade City, getme, RideAustin, InstaRyde, zTrip, Wingz, Fasten and Fare.]()
Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman -
Texas Republicans Ask Obama, Congress for Zika Help
Texas' top Senate Republicans on Monday upped the urgency on federal policymakers to do something about the Zika virus. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Patrick Suggests Legislature Might Step In on Bathroom Guidelines
Declaring that "this fight is just beginning," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday escalated his battle against guidelines in Texas and across the country that allow students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick addressed transgender bathroom rules during a news conference in Dallas on May 13, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
In Texas Senate Races, Hughes and Buckingham Win Republican Runoffs
Two new Republicans are poised to claim seats in the Texas Senate: Travis County eye surgeon Dawn Buckingham and state Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola. Full Story
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![(L-R) State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, beat state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, in the runoff for SD-1, while state Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene, lost to Dawn Buckingham in SD-24.]()
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Liveblog: 2016 Texas Primary Runoff Results
Throughout Tuesday night, Tribune reporters will keep you updated on the results of Texas' Republican and Democratic primary runoffs, from the first early voting totals through the last ballots counted. Full Story
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![Voters wait in line at the University of Texas Co-op to cast their ballots in the March 1, 2016 primary elections.]()
Credit: Shelby Tauber -
Senators Vow to Tighten Emergency Leave Rules
Members of the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday vowed to "tighten it up" when it comes to granting emergency leave to state employees. Full Story
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![Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Bryan Hughes, David Simpson Vie for Senate
A mere 13 votes allowed state Rep. David Simpson to sneak into a runoff in the Republican primary campaign to fill Sen. Kevin Eltife's open seat. Now, he must try to catch fellow state Rep. Bryan Hughes. Full Story
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![State Reps. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and David Simpson, R-Longview, competed in a runoff in the GOP race for Senate District 1.]()
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David Simpson Secures Runoff Spot in Senate Race By 13 Votes
Two state representatives are set to face off for an open position in the Texas senate after the third place candidate said Monday he will not request a recount. Full Story
![State Reps. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and David Simpson, R-Longview, competed in a runoff in the GOP race for Senate District 1.]()
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Analysis: Low Voter Turnout in Texas Gets Obama's Attention
Perhaps it’s not in the best interests of the people now in office in Texas — whatever their party labels — to change the electoral setup that put them in office. Full Story
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![President Obama talked about civic engagement in a digital age during an interview with The Texas Tribune's Evan Smith at the South by Southwest Interactive festival on March 11, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich / Pool -
Analysis: Politics Wasn't at Play With Tax Hearing, Bettencourt Says
After questions about a special Senate committee hearing in San Antonio, and the appearance there of a challenger to House Speaker Joe Straus, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt makes a fairly strong case that there’s nothing to see here. Full Story
![Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Analysis: Endorsements, Loyalties — and Getting Things Done
Endorsements seem harmless enough, but several state senators will have to eat some crow to get their legislation passed next year. They endorsed challengers to fellow legislators — and lost. Full Story
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![The three senators who sent the fewest bills to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk this session: Bob Hall, R-Edgwood (left), Konni Burton, R-Colleyville (middle) and Don Huffines, R-Dallas (right).]()
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How Much Texas Politicians Spent per Vote in 2016 Primaries
House Speaker Joe Straus spent $307 for every vote he got in Tuesday's primary election, leading the pack of state candidates. Here's a table detailing how much money selected state candidates spent for each vote they got. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Stuart Seeger